From the beginning of time, writing has had the ability to empower, anger, hurt, or excite someone. Through a series of creative writing, movement, storytelling and visual art exercises, students discover the power of their own words to tell a story, change someone’s opinion or create an imaginary place. The students may also create a visual journal that uses a combination of drawing techniques, collage and word webs to brainstorm and tell different types of stories. Depending on the standards selected by the teacher and the age of the students, Arianna Ross will custom design a residency that incorporates the correct arts integration strategies for the right results with the individual students. The result may be that students write a fictional story, personal narrative, poetry, a play, or an essay. At the end, Arianna will coordinate a special writers’ event where the students will either present, display or publish their writing for the community and the school to experience.

Use this link to view a video excerpt from this program: https://drive.google.com/file/d/18XV0RI3LuShR5MHLOtu-SVdyltK1cO3D/view

Both in-person and virtual (live and pre-recorded) options are available for this program.

Artist Background

Story Tapestries and Arianna Ross create educational, entertaining, international programs that weave the power of dance, storytelling, writing, visual art and theatre. Arianna uses the tools of her art forms to help youth foster a deeper connection to the subjects they’re learning and to guide educators to increase their effectiveness by incorporating arts-based strategies in their lesson plans. For 20 years she has performed and taught in schools, colleges, community centers, and concert halls. She custom designs every program to fit the age and needs of the audience. Recently, she secured $20,000 in matching funds to support high-need schools. She has worked with National Theatre, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the Washington Performing Arts Society.

Search Criteria

• Program Type: Writer-in-Residence
• Discipline: Dance, Literary, Storytelling
• Grade Level: Elementary, High, Middle
• Cultural Context:
• Accepts bookings in Johnston County
• Virtual option available